Quick answer
To brew single grade CTC dust for strong chai, use 1 teaspoon of dust per 8 ounces of water, simmer for 3-4 minutes, and add milk to taste. This method extracts the bold, brisk character that dust is known for.
Why CTC dust makes a strong cup
CTC dust consists of fine particles that expose more surface area to water, so it extracts quickly and delivers a deep, robust brew. That's why it's a favorite for strong chai that stands up to milk and spices.
The trade-off is that dust can turn bitter if over-steeped. You need to watch the clock more carefully than with larger leaf grades.
Choosing your CTC dust
Not all CTC dust is the same. A single grade CTC dust, like the one in Swachh Tea's sample pack, ensures consistent particle size, which means more predictable brewing results. If you're experimenting with different dusts, start with a single grade to learn how it behaves before mixing.
Brewing steps for strong chai with CTC dust
- Measure the dust: Use 1 teaspoon of CTC dust per 8 ounces of water. For a stronger cup, you can increase to 1.5 teaspoons, but don't exceed that or the chai may become too bitter. Start with the lower ratio and adjust up only if the chai tastes weak.
- Boil water and add dust: Bring water to a rolling boil, then add the CTC dust. Stir once to ensure the dust is fully submerged. Don't add the dust before the water boils; this can lead to a flat, under-extracted brew.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes. The fine dust extracts quickly, so longer steeping will only add bitterness. Set a timer and taste at 3 minutes to see if it's strong enough before going longer.
- Add milk and sweetener: Pour in milk to taste—whole milk or a dairy alternative both work. Add sugar or honey after the milk to balance the strong tea flavor. Adding milk first can cool the tea too quickly; add it after steeping for best extraction.
- Strain and serve: Use a fine mesh strainer to catch the fine dust particles. Pour the chai into your cup and enjoy immediately. If you skip straining, the dust will continue to steep and turn bitter as you drink.
Product to try
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Single grade CTC sample pack-Dust only: This sample pack contains only CTC dust grade tea, offering a straightforward and direct cup. It's ideal for learning to brew strong chai because the consistent dust grade gives you a reliable baseline to adjust your technique.
Single grade CTC sample pack-Dust only